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Connected Forever (Dying, Consciousness, Reassuring, Being truthful)

Not sure how the subject came up. Maybe it was that she had buried a lizard earlier in the day that I had attempted to save from the tennis court.

Her – “Are you going to die someday?”

I’m a big believer in truthful answers, at least as I see it…

Me – “Yes.”

But I didn’t want her to get distraught or to be left with something anxiety-producing deep in her psyche, so I continued…

Me – “My body will die. But my spirit will always be alive, and my spirit will always be with you.”

She made a sound of agreement.

Me – “I remember when I was seven years old like you. We were living in Ohio, and I was alone in bed one night when suddenly it him me that someday my Mom and Dad would die. I cried and cried and cried. I felt scared and alone and very sad. But here I am, and… all this time later they’re still here.”

She laughed in a relieved sort of way

Me – “Someday Nonna and Pappa will die. Their bodies will leave us, but their spirits will always be with us.”

Her – “And someday you’ll die?”

Me – “Yes, but not for a long time, and my spirit will always be with you.”

Her – “Someday I’ll die, too.”

Me – “Yes, but not for a long, long, long time, and your spirit will be alive forever. And we’ll be connected forever.”

Her – “Yep.”

I think it was an honest but comforting and illuminating conversation that settled her mind. Do I know for sure that what I said is accurate? No. But it’s what feels true for me, and I think it gave her comfort and clarity that she can use or tweak as she grows up.

Welcome. Like countless parents, helping my child experience the best start to life that I can muster is my passion. Here I track meaningful, humorous and thought-provoking moments on the journey with my daughter.